Hardstanding for Farrier

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Shoei

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Do you all have concrete?

The last time I had the farrier he commented that he would not be able to shoe my horse without hardstanding (granted it was a bit muddy in the yard) at the time we were taking his shoes off to let him settle in.

He is doing fine barefoot but I am hoping to get him out hunting next season and he will need shoes on.

Horse is kept at home and it is a working farm and in winter the yard can get muddy with what comes of the fields etc. The barn has an earth floor which stays dry and hard, if a little to dry and sandy sometimes. Would this be suitable for the farrier or do I need to concrete an are.... I don't want to do this if I don't have to as it will only be used for the farrier.

Also I seem to be having trouble getting hold of said farrier so any recomendations in the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire area that are not going to expect a Carl Hesters yard are welcome.
 
Maybe put some paving slabs down over sharp sand to give a hardstanding area? Does the barn have good interior lighting?

Also, is the hardstanding for his van or for the horse, or both (sorry if that's a daft question but just checking!).

To be fair to the farrier, it's much more pleasant to have a covered, well lit and clean working area. It makes it much easier to check foot balance etc.
 
Sounds like a good farrier to me - he needs to see the horse standing on a hard surface to assess the balance of the foot. So long as it is level and there is enough light I would think your barn would do - or, given decent weather a flat dry area of grass. Have you chatted to him about it and asked what his minimum requirements are?
 
How spooky is your pony? mine has a square of thick carpet upside down (on paving slabs would work really well) for those that don't have a concrete area, you need a flat dry surface if you put the foot down in mud between checking fit it gets all covered in rubbish and it's really hard to get it clean again each time to fit the shoe properly.
 
It's very rare that any horses here are shod, however we have had the odd one who wears shoes and when this is the case, yes I always take the horse onto concrete for him. The unshod horses are just done in their fields; our fields are never muddy though.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, yes the barn is undercover with good lighting and a breeze block wall I tie horse too. The floor is very flat but I just wondered if the ground would be to sandy and they would want actual concrete. I also have some very thick heavy rubber matting (about 2inch thick) and I was wondering about putting this down, however I dont have enough to do the whole bay, only enough to do a row for him to stand on and don't want it to be a hinderance.
 
Shoei said:
Thanks for the replies guys, yes the barn is undercover with good lighting and a breeze block wall I tie horse too. The floor is very flat but I just wondered if the ground would be to sandy and they would want actual concrete. I also have some very thick heavy rubber matting (about 2inch thick) and I was wondering about putting this down, however I dont have enough to do the whole bay, only enough to do a row for him to stand on and don't want it to be a hinderance.
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Just ask your farrier next time he comes out?
 
Just thought this would be worth noting as by calling any farrier you are agreeing to these terms and conditions

Clients Responsibilities to the Farrier

It is the client’s responsibility to provide:

a clean, dry standing with good light and a non-slip surface
a secure, safe ring to which the horse can be tied
protection from rain, wind and bad weather
a properly fitted, sound head collar/halter with a good rope of adequate length
competent assistance available should the farrier require it　
The client should:

ensure that the shoeing area is safe for horse and farrier
ensure that the horse is used to being handled and, if appropriate, has a companion animal close by. In the event of a horse being unruly the client or their agent, should agree with the farrier, on the management of the horse
understand that certain methods of control may be required to preserve life, health and safety and that a farrier has the right to decline to shoe a horse, or to discontinue shoeing, if it is felt that to proceed would compromise his or her own health and safety, that of others, or that of the horse
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My farrier has also asked me to concrete an area for him to shoe my ponies. I am in the process of getting a quote to do so.
 
LadyRascasse said:
Just thought this would be worth noting as by calling any farrier you are agreeing to these terms and conditions
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Thanks for that, I'd never seen that before.

I think according to the rules the barn should be fine. I'm just concerned re the floor not being concrete.... it is leveler than a lot of yards I'v been on though!

It is also close to the kettle and Aga for cake :-)
 
Shoei said:
Thanks for that, I'd never seen that before.

I think according to the rules the barn should be fine. I'm just concerned re the floor not being concrete.... it is leveler than a lot of yards I'v been on though!

It is also close to the kettle and Aga for cake :-)
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I would have thought that would seal the deal! :-)
 
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